I grew up in Park, Kansas, attended Park schools and was in the first graduating class from Wheatland High School in Grainfield. I am a proud Army Veteran, having served as a member of the First Calvary of the Eighth Engineers. After my military service, I attended Colby Community College for one semester where I played baseball until an arm injury forced me to the sidelines. It was then that I transferred to Fort Hays State University and later graduated with a degree in General Business Studies. In 1975, I married the love of my life Rita, together we have three children and four grandchildren.
What do you now do for a living? How did you end up choosing this career path?
For over 30 years I owned and operated Nationwide Home Sales in Goodland. While attending FHSU, I worked for Nationwide Homes in Hays and was offered an opportunity to buy into the Goodland location in 1975. I sold this business in the early 2000’s. In 1978 my wife and I bought our first half-section of farm ground and became first generation farmers. Today, I enjoy harvesting on our farm comprised of both dry and irrigated land. I have always believed strongly in public service. To the best of my ability, I served the community of Goodland for 20 years, as both City Commissioner and mayor for several of those years. In 2011, I began my service in the Kansas House of Representatives and was privileged to be re-elected for the 2015-16 term. After 2016, I ran for and was elected to the Kansas Senate for a four-year term beginning in 2017. As both a Representative and now a Senator, being able to help with constituent services and public service is one of the most important choices I have ever made. I currently serve on the committees of Agriculture and Natural Resources, I am vice chair of Financial Institutions, insurance and Pension Benefits, vice chair of Ways and Means, I serve on five budget sub committees (of which I chair 3) and I am the chairman of the Joint Committee on Buildings and Construction.
Why did you choose to attend FHSU?
I knew I wanted to pursue a career in business, even back in the 1970’s. FHSU was known for their quality of education and the high quality of business minds as well as community leaders they produced. Given this reputation, services, courses and value that they offered, it was a clear choice that this was the school for me.
What are your favorite memories from your time as a student?
I was enrolled in an early computer class. Back then the processes involved punch cards and it was at the height of technology for the time. I look back on that time often considering how computer technology has evolved since then and I cannot help but laugh at what seemed like the countless hours we would spend programing with those cards! I also have many fond memories attending concerts and basketball games on campus.
What advice do you have for current or prospective FHSU students?
Hays, Kansas is great community to live. FHSU is a growing campus, offers a good college atmosphere, caring professors, affordable tuition and flexible online learning. It is a total package, but remember even with FHSU checking all of these boxes, an education’s value will be heavily based on how much effort you will put into it. FHSU has so many wonderful services, amenities and extra-curricular activities. I want to remind students while attending FHSU it is your responsibility to take advantage of all these fabulous opportunities the campus has to offer. Make your college experience everything you want it to be, and don’t forget your instructors have office hours for a reason, go and meet with them, they are ready and willing to help you.
Tell us about someone at FHSU who has left a lasting impression:
One of my most interesting classes was geology taught by Dr. Kenneth Neuhauser. His willingness to explain concepts on such a deep level to relate to students made the class interesting and very engaging. Also, DeBra Prideaux, who is the executive director of Alumni and Governmental Relations for FHSU. DeBra goes above and beyond in her service to the Alumni Association and FHSU. My experience with DeBra representing FHSU was almost weekly during the legislative session in Topeka and her passion for her role is clear and amazing.
In what ways are you proud to be a Tiger?
The support of alumni and others that have helped FHSU to continue to prosper. Older buildings are being remodeled and new buildings are being constructed. FHSU has become a leader in Kansas with new programs like the new Robbins Banking Institute offering extensive and innovative banking curriculum.
Additional Comments:
It is exciting to drive through the campus and see the growth and diversity of this college. FHSU is fortunate to have the generous donors that keep this college growing and moving forward.